“As it goes through the small intestine it helps to balance your immune system. And then the fibre from the broccoli that can’t be digested goes along to the colon, which is the last part of the bowel, where most of the gut bugs reside and they start feasting on the fibre and making short chain fatty acids.”

Healthy Satay Broccolini® recipe by Jessica Sepel 0:48

This healthy satay Broccolini® by Jessica Sepel is our new favourite side.

The vegetable has been praised with cancer fighting powers in the past. Eating a high amount of cruciferous vegetables has been associated with a lower risk of cancer; particularly lung and colon cancer.

Studies have suggested that sulforaphane, the sulphur-containing compound that gives cruciferous vegetables their bitter bite. Researchers have found that sulforaphane can inhibit the enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), known to be involved in the progression of cancer cells.

Poor vitamin K intake is linked with a higher risk of bone fracture. Just one cup of chopped broccoli provides 92 micrograms of vitamin K, well over 100 per cent of your daily need.